With the implementation of Project 2025 now underway, we are witnessing the rollout of its next phase: Project Esther, presented by The Heritage Foundation in October of 2024 as a national strategy to combat antisemitism. While NABC affirms the urgency of addressing antisemitism in all its forms, Project Esther is not simply about combating hate. It is an extension of a broader political agenda that threatens civil liberties, silences dissent, and endangers historically marginalized communities. This moment demands clarity, courage, and a commitment to justice from all sectors of society.

Of particular concern to the National Association of Black Counselors are the dangerous implications Project Esther holds for both education and healthcare. The blueprint calls for aggressive interventions in schools and universities: removal of faculty, curriculum restrictions, and the discrediting of entire academic disciplines under the guise of fighting antisemitism. These actions risk politicizing education, undermining academic freedom, and targeting educators and students, specifically those involved in diversity, equity, and inclusion work.

In healthcare, Project Esther encourages professional surveillance and the dismantling of organizational partnerships critical for culturally competent care. By framing entire communities and professional sectors, particularly those aligned with social justice, as “threats” to national security, it risks undermining the values of empathy, trust, and equity foundational to mental health and healthcare practice.

We also offer a link to the full Project Esther Project Esther PDF.

The National Association of Black Counselors (NABC) recognizes and condemns all forms of hatred, including antisemitism, which threatens the safety, dignity, and humanity of Jewish communities in the United States and around the world. The increasing instances of antisemitic rhetoric, violence, and misinformation, especially following the October 7, 2023, attacks, require bold, collective action rooted in justice, accountability, and truth.

However, NABC is deeply concerned by Project Esther, as introduced by The Heritage Foundation. While it purports to be a strategy to counter antisemitism, the framework outlined in the report employs language and tactics that are inflammatory, overly generalized, and potentially harmful to democratic expression, civil rights, and intersectional solidarity.

We specifically reject:

• The conflation of all pro‑Palestinian advocacy with terrorism and antisemitism, which fails to distinguish between hate speech and legitimate political dissent. This broad brush approach undermines First Amendment protections and unfairly targets educators, students, activists, and entire communities with suspicion and punitive measures.

• The demonization of academic institutions and DEI frameworks, essential for fostering critical thinking, inclusive dialogue, and culturally responsive education. The report labels diversity and inclusion as indoctrination and actively seeks to purge faculty and curricula deemed “politically suspect”.

• The targeting of legislators, organizations, and citizens based on political beliefs or heritage, as seen in the so‑called “Hamas Caucus” section and the call to dismantle a broad “Hamas Support Network.” These steps echo McCarthy‑era tactics and threaten democratic engagement at its core.

As Black mental health professionals and advocates, we know the consequences of state‑sanctioned surveillance, collective punishment, and being vilified for demanding justice. We will not endorse or be complicit in efforts that pit marginalized communities against each other or treat activism as a national security threat.

NABC stands in solidarity with Jewish communities in the fight against antisemitism. At the same time, we remain committed to protecting civil liberties, promoting healing justice, and upholding the constitutional rights of all Americans especially those who are Black, Brown, Muslim, immigrant, queer, or otherwise vulnerable to erasure.

We urge all stakeholders to adopt a more nuanced, human‑centered approach to addressing antisemitism: one that promotes unity, accountability, and the dignity of all people.

Issued by the National Association of Black Counselors (NABC)
Date: July 2025

The National Association of Black Counselors (NABC) strongly opposes the One Big Beautiful Bill Act  now signed into law by the 119th Congress. Despite its title, this legislation represents a dangerous and regressive shift in national priorities. It dismantles critical supports for vulnerable populations and undermines the ability of counselors to provide equitable, accessible, and culturally responsive care.

This law will have devastating consequences for the Black community, the mental health field, and the broader network of social service providers who serve our most at risk populations.

Why This Law Is Harmful

Severe Cuts to Mental Health and Social Services

The law imposes sweeping restrictions and funding reductions across Medicaid, SNAP, CHIP, and public health infrastructure. These changes include:

• Increased eligibility redeterminations and verification requirements

• The rollback of retroactive Medicaid coverage

• Work requirements for food assistance

• Prohibitions on gender affirming care for minors

• Cuts to long term care facility staffing requirements

• Reduction in administrative cost sharing with states

These provisions will create instability for clients, reduce access to care, and worsen mental health conditions among already marginalized groups.

Disproportionate Impact on Black Communities

This law will hit Black communities the hardest—communities that already face systemic barriers to care, employment, and education. The changes will:

• Push more Black families into food insecurity

• Limit access to affordable healthcare

• Cut funding for environmental and climate justice initiatives

• Curtail educational supports like Pell Grants and loan forgiveness

• Undermine community based health programs that serve Black youth, elders, and LGBTQIA+ individuals

By removing the safety net for millions of Americans, this law deepens the racial and economic disparities we have worked for decades to dismantle.

Damage to the Counseling Profession

The One Big Beautiful Bill also directly harms the counseling field through:

• Elimination of Public Service Loan Forgiveness, a key support for counselors serving high need communities

• Reduced funding for training, education, and workforce development programs

• Increased strain on providers as more clients face crisis without stable coverage

• Further institutionalization of barriers that keep Black professionals from entering and sustaining careers in mental health care

Counselors will be expected to do more with less, and the communities we serve will suffer the consequences.

Economic Consequences for Black Communities

The law’s economic provisions including the rollback of clean energy credits, small business incentives, and workforce protections limit job opportunities and investment in underserved areas. This legislation makes it harder for Black communities to access pathways to upward mobility and intergenerational wealth.

Our Position and Our Call to Action

The National Association of Black Counselors condemns this law as harmful, inequitable, and morally unacceptable. We are committed to advocating for the repeal of its most damaging provisions and to protecting the rights, dignity, and well-being of Black individuals and families across the nation.

We urge counselors, mental health professionals, and community members to:

Raise Awareness – Educate clients, communities, and colleagues about the implications of this law
Advocate for Change – Contact state and federal officials to demand protective measures and reversals
Support Local Providers – Invest in Black led clinics and mental health organizations serving vulnerable populations
Organize – Join with advocacy networks to mobilize resistance and build long term community resilience

Our Commitment

NABC will continue to stand on the front lines of justice, equity, and access. We reject any policy that strips communities of their right to care, to education, and to safe, healthy futures.

We call on all mental health professionals, educators, lawmakers, and advocates to join us in rejecting the harm caused by the One Big Beautiful Bill.

In solidarity,
The National Association of Black Counselors (NABC)

The National Association of Black Counselors (NABC) strongly condemns H.R. 3518, legislation that would prohibit federal funding for graduate medical schools maintaining diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies. [Full bill text available at: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3518/text]

This bill represents a dangerous regression in our nation's commitment to health equity and exposes the fragile nature of institutional commitments to racial justice.

The Broken Promise of Equity

The rapid dismantling of DEI initiatives across sectors reveals an uncomfortable truth: these programs were maintained only when required, not because they were valued. We have witnessed:

• DEI offices closing following Supreme Court rulings

• Minority recruitment programs dissolving when public pressure eased

• Support services for marginalized students quietly defunded

This pattern proves what communities of color have long known - when institutions genuinely value something, they fight to preserve it. The disappearance of these initiatives demonstrates they were implemented for compliance rather than conviction.

The Grave Consequences of H.R. 3518

This legislation would:

1. Threaten Healthcare Equity by reducing the pipeline of diverse physicians, despite overwhelming evidence that representation improves patient outcomes in marginalized communities

2. Disproportionately Harm HBCUs that train nearly half of Black doctors while already operating with limited resources

3. Worsen Health Disparities by decreasing culturally competent care for communities facing systemic healthcare neglect

4. Institutionalize Discrimination by punishing schools committed to inclusive learning environments

The Exploitation of Black Goodwill

As Black professionals, we have invested our time, talent, and trust in systems that consistently demonstrate their priorities:

• Our inclusion serves institutional optics rather than our empowerment

• Action comes only when reputations are at stake

• Diversity measures often center majority comfort over minority survival

Our Demands

The NABC calls for:

1. Immediate withdrawal of H.R. 3518

2. Protection of federal funding for HBCU medical programs

3. Accountability measures for institutions abandoning equity commitments

4. Centering of Black health outcomes in medical education policy

The Path Forward

True equity requires more than performative gestures - it demands sustained commitment when inconvenient and unobserved. The counseling community recognizes this legislation as part of a broader retreat from racial justice, and we will mobilize accordingly.

Take Action

1. Contact your congressional representatives

2. Support HBCU medical programs

3. Join NABC's advocacy efforts

#NABC #OpposeHR3518 #ProtectHBCUs #HealthEquityNow

May 2025

The National Association of Black Counselors (NABC) vehemently opposes The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) and its devastating cuts to Medicaid and Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies. These changes threaten mental health access for millions of Black Americans and violate our ethical mandate to advocate for equitable care.

The National Association of Black Counselors (NABC) condemns H.R. 1's Medicaid work requirements and ACA subsidy cuts, which threaten mental health access for Black communities. Verified data confirms:

Documented Impacts

1. 8 Million Medicaid Losses

   • Congressional Budget Office projects 8 million will lose coverage due to:

     • Administrative burdens of 80-hour monthly work requirements (CBO, 2024)

     • Coverage gaps mirroring Arkansas’ 18,000+ losses under similar policies (KFF, 2024)

2. 6 Million ACA Enrollees Priced Out

   • Terminating enhanced subsidies will spike premiums by 82% for low-income households (KFF, 2024)

   • Black Americans (34% of ACA enrollees) disproportionately affected (CMS, 2024)

Ethical Violations

These policies conflict with:

• ACA Code of Ethics (Section A.7): Prohibits policies that exacerbate care disparities

• NBCC Multicultural Guidelines: Require advocacy against systemic barriers

NABC’s Position

1. Reject H.R. 1 and all Medicaid work requirements

2. Permanently extend ACA subsidies to prevent coverage losses

3. Invest in culturally responsive safety nets

Next Steps

For advocacy instructions, refer to the May 30, 2025 email sent to all NABC members.

Endorsed by:

NABC Executive Committee
NABC Advocacy and Legislative Committee

As we honor Mental Health Awareness Month this May, we are confronted with a deeply troubling development: the Trump administration has announced the termination of $1 billion in federal grants dedicated to school mental health services. These funds, established under the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in response to the Uvalde school shooting, were instrumental in hiring school counselors, psychologists, and social workers nationwide.

The Department of Education justified this decision by alleging that the grants violated federal civil rights laws, claiming they were misused to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. However, many educators and mental health professionals argue that these funds were crucial for addressing the escalating mental health crisis among students, particularly in underserved communities.

Implications for the Black Community

The Black community stands to be disproportionately affected by these cuts. Historically, Black students have faced systemic barriers to accessing quality mental health care. The now-defunded grants had begun to bridge this gap by facilitating the recruitment of culturally competent mental health professionals in schools serving predominantly Black populations. Eliminating this funding risks widening existing disparities, leaving Black students without essential support systems during a time when mental health challenges are on the rise.

Challenges for Black Mental Health Practitioners

These cuts represent a significant setback for Black mental health practitioners. The grants provided opportunities for employment, training, and the implementation of programs tailored to the unique needs of Black students. With the withdrawal of federal support, many practitioners may find it challenging to sustain their roles in educational settings, thereby reducing the availability of culturally responsive care for Black youth.

A Call to Action

The National Association of Black Counselors urges policymakers, educators, and community leaders to recognize the critical importance of school-based mental health services. We advocate for the restoration of funding to ensure that all students, regardless of race or socioeconomic status, have access to the mental health support they need. As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, let us reaffirm our commitment to equity and the well-being of our youth by opposing measures that undermine these essential services.

For more information on the grant termination, please refer to the NPR article: Trump administration stops grant funding for school mental health.

The National Association of Black Counselors (NABC) expresses deep concern over the recent executive orders signed by President Donald Trump, which aim to expand the powers of local law enforcement and intensify immigration enforcement efforts. These policies, including the expansion of 287(g) agreements and increased collaboration between local police and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), have significant psychological implications for Black communities and other marginalized groups.​

Psychological Implications for Our Communities

The amplification of law enforcement powers and aggressive immigration policies contribute to heightened anxiety, fear, and trauma among our clients. The increased presence of law enforcement in communities, particularly those of color, can lead to:​

• Chronic Stress and Anxiety: The constant threat of surveillance and potential detainment fosters a pervasive sense of insecurity.​

• Intergenerational Trauma: Families, especially those with mixed immigration statuses, experience compounded stress, affecting both children and adults.​

• Erosion of Trust: The collaboration between local police and federal immigration authorities undermines trust in institutions meant to protect and serve, deterring individuals from seeking necessary services or reporting crimes.​

Impact on Mental Health Services

These policies not only affect our clients but also place additional burdens on mental health professionals:​

• Increased Caseloads: As communities grapple with the psychological toll of these policies, counselors may see a rise in clients experiencing trauma-related symptoms.​

• Compassion Fatigue: Continuous exposure to clients' trauma can lead to emotional exhaustion and decreased empathy among clinicians.​

Recommendations for Supporting Clients

To mitigate these impacts, NABC recommends the following strategies:

1. Trauma-Informed Care: Implement practices that recognize and respond to the effects of all types of trauma, ensuring a safe environment for clients.​

2. Community Engagement: Collaborate with local organizations to provide resources and support networks for affected individuals.​

3. Advocacy: Engage in policy advocacy to challenge and change harmful policies affecting mental health and community well-being.​

Self-Care Strategies for Clinicians

To address and prevent compassion fatigue, mental health professionals should:

• Set Boundaries: Establish clear limits between work and personal life to prevent burnout.​

• Seek Support: Engage in peer supervision or support groups to share experiences and coping strategies.​

• Prioritize Well-being: Incorporate regular self-care activities, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies, into daily routines.​

• Continuous Education: Stay informed about best practices in trauma-informed care and self-care techniques.​

Conclusion

NABC remains committed to supporting both our communities and mental health professionals during these challenging times. By fostering resilience, advocating for equitable policies, and prioritizing self-care, we can navigate the psychological impacts of these federal policies together.​

April 2025

The National Association of Black Counselors (NABC) strongly condemns President Donald J. Trump's recent executive order, which eliminated disparate-impact liability across federal agencies. This order represents a dangerous rollback of civil rights protections and undermines decades of progress toward racial equity, justice, and accountability in American society.

Disparate-impact liability is a critical legal tool that recognizes how policies and practices, though neutral in language, can result in harmful, discriminatory outcomes for marginalized communities. It has been instrumental in addressing inequality in education, housing, employment, and healthcare. To eliminate this protection is to ignore the reality of systemic discrimination and silence the data that reveal its continued presence.

This executive order does not "restore equality." It rebrands inequity. It does not advance "merit-based" opportunity it denies the structural imbalances that continue to disadvantage Black Americans and other historically excluded groups. Suggesting that fairness can be achieved without acknowledging and addressing outcomes is a fundamental misunderstanding of civil rights law and the purpose of social justice advocacy.

Let us be clear: Equity is not about giving advantages to some; it’s about removing barriers for all. This order seeks to erase those barriers from public view, not from public life. It enables institutions to perpetuate harm without accountability and shifts the burden of proof onto those already bearing the weight of inequality.

As Black mental health professionals, we see the psychological toll of systemic injustice every day. We know that structural racism is not always overt. It is often embedded in the very systems this executive order now seeks to shield from scrutiny.

We call on lawmakers, educators, clinicians, and allies to resist this regressive action and to stand firm in protecting the mechanisms that hold our nation to its promise of equal justice under the law.

NABC will not be silent. We remain committed to equity, accountability, and truth.

Signed,

Dr. M. Nickleson (Dr. Nick) Battle, Jr., LPC (DC/VA), LCPC (MD), CCTP, CCAPT, BC-TMH
President, National Association of Black Counselors (NABC)

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, NABC is proud to shine a spotlight on the invaluable contributions of Black women in the field of counseling. Their resilience, wisdom, and dedication have not only shaped the profession but have also paved the way for healing, empowerment, and social change in communities across the globe.

Black women have long been at the forefront of mental health advocacy, breaking barriers and challenging systemic inequities in the counseling profession. From pioneering research to providing culturally competent care, Black women counselors have played a critical role in addressing the unique mental health needs of marginalized communities. Their work has been instrumental in dismantling stigmas, fostering resilience, and promoting holistic well-being.

We honor figures like Dr. Mamie Phipps Clark, whose groundbreaking work on racial identity and child development laid the foundation for understanding the psychological impact of segregation. Her research was instrumental in the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case, proving that systemic racism harms mental health.

We also celebrate modern-day leaders like Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, founder of Therapy for Black Girls, who has created a platform to destigmatize mental health care and make therapy accessible for Black women and girls. Her work reminds us of the power of representation and the importance of culturally competent care.

At NABC, we recognize that Black women counselors often navigate dual challenges addressing the mental health needs of their clients while confronting systemic racism and sexism within the profession. Despite these obstacles, they continue to lead with compassion, strength, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

As we reflect on the legacy of Black women in counseling, we are reminded of the importance of representation, mentorship, and advocacy. Their stories remind us that counseling is not just a profession it’s a calling to uplift, empower, and transform lives.

This Women’s History Month, let us celebrate the Black women who have shaped the counseling profession and continue to inspire us to create a more inclusive and equitable future. Join NABC in honoring their contributions and amplifying their voices as we work together to advance mental health for all.

#WomensHistoryMonth #BlackWomenInCounseling #NABC #MentalHealthEquity #RepresentationMatters

Initiatives aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) were designed to level the playing field and provide opportunities for historically underrepresented groups. However, when we step back and look at the data, white women were the group that profited the most. They gained access to educational and employment opportunities at an unprecedented rate. Although white women benefited the most in terms of numbers, Black communities were significantly more affected by DEI.

This is because creating an opportunity for an equally, if not more, deserving and qualified Black person changed more than just one life, but paved the way for generations to come. These jobs were revolutionary for Black professionals, changing family paths and ending cycles of structural marginalization. They weren't merely stepping stones to something else. Whole family legacies could be changed by a single leadership opportunity, a single acceptance letter, or a single promotion.

The truth is, while white women benefitted from DEI, their economic and social positioning meant that, for many, these opportunities were optional rather than essential. Many white women were not and still do not serve as their families' main breadwinners. In the past, many of them either used these jobs as leverage for even more profitable possibilities or worked only until they were married to a man who could adequately provide for them and their family. Their access to power was and still still is largely tied to white men, and their political and economic interests reflect that reality.

Voting trends are where this alignment is most noticeable. White women have often voted against policies that would have improved racial justice in favor of maintaining a system that places a higher priority on their relationship with white male authority. Where we view this as voting against their best interests, it is not. They cast their votes against our shared interests, not against their own.

Conversely, Black people have continuously put in the most effort and received the fewest benefits. We have fought for justice, equity, and progress, only for our so-called “allies” to reap the primary benefits. I don't want to imply that all white women or white people for that matter are bad, but we need to be careful and selective about who we call an ally. Being an ally is has to be more than simply reaping the rewards of the fight; it means actively destroying the structures that sustain injustice. And this is not to speak to their motives and intentions, as many of these women would argue that they have good intentions. But just because someone has good intentions, does not guarantee positive outcomes. Even the most well intentioned actions can lead to harm. Remember, that the road to destruction is often paved with good intentions.

Black Communities' Mental Health Toll

Black communities' mental health is significantly impacted by the never-ending cycle of struggling for progress only to have its advantages dispersed or reversed. Stress, worry, and disappointment are brought on by the psychological weight of systematic injustices as well as the weariness of navigating a society that undervalues Black knowledge and labor.

This emotional and mental stress shows up in a number of ways:

• Racial battle fatigue, the exhaustion from constantly experiencing and witnessing racism, discrimination, and microaggressions.
• Imposter syndrome, where Black professionals may feel they have to prove themselves constantly, despite being equally or more qualified than their white counterparts.
• Generational trauma, as the fight for equity is not new but rather a continuation of centuries-long struggles that weigh heavily on Black families.
• Hopelessness and burnout, as many Black professionals feel they must work twice as hard for half the recognition, leading to emotional and physical exhaustion.

Black Counselors' Contribution to Empowerment and Healing

Black mental health providers are essential in assisting people and communities in processing, recovering, and planning in the face of these obstacles. In addition to acknowledging the realities of systemic oppression, Black counselors offer culturally competent care that gives clients the skills they need to deal with and overcome these stressors.

Black counselors assist by: 

• Establishing judgment-free environments where Black clients can freely communicate their sorrow, disappointments, and anxieties.
• Offering therapeutic approaches to treat mental health issues linked to stress and racial trauma.
• Promoting social and workplace reforms that shield Black workers from racial injustice and discrimination.
• Giving Black people coping mechanisms that validate their experiences and foster resilience.
• To combat emotions of loneliness and hopelessness, promote self-care, community healing, and group efforts.

Going Ahead

The repercussions are evident when we observe the rollback of DEI efforts. Our "progress" was never as safe as we believed. Black people will be the ones who suffer the most from this retreat, even as the same white women who previously benefited from workplace diversity initiatives and affirmative action may be forced back into traditional positions. With policies shifting to favor nationalism and xenophobia, white women may be relegated to the kitchen and the bedroom once more, but Black people? We run the danger of being forced back into the fields.

This moment requires vigilance. Neither romanticizing allyship nor assuming that shared marginalization equates to shared struggle are acceptable. Our ability to clearly and strategically navigate these shifting waves has always been essential to our existence. As we proceed, we must make sure that our communities are safeguarded, that our mental health is given first priority, and that the next battle for equity focuses on those who need it the most, not simply those who stand to gain the most.

As we observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we are reminded of Dr. King’s unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and the empowerment of Black communities. His dream of a society where all individuals thrive in unity and dignity resonates deeply with our mission as counselors. At  NABC we recognize the critical role we play in supporting the stability and mental well-being of the ourcommunity—work that aligns with the legacy of advocacy and transformation championed by Dr. King.

The Legacy of Dr. King: Justice and Empowerment

Dr. King’s vision extended beyond civil rights to encompass the economic, emotional, and spiritual health of the community. He understood that true freedom includes access to the resources and support needed for individuals to thrive. Today, as counselors, we are uniquely positioned to carry this legacy forward, ensuring that our communities have access to culturally competent mental health care that fosters healing, growth, and resilience.

Counseling: A Pillar of Community Stability

Mental health counseling is more than a profession; it is a tool for empowerment. In our work, we address systemic inequities, advocate for marginalized voices, and provide the support necessary to build strong, stable communities.

• Reducing Stigma: Mental health challenges often carry stigma, particularly in our communities. Counselors serve as educators and advocates, normalizing conversations about mental health and encouraging individuals to seek help without shame.
• Healing Generational Trauma: Dr. King spoke of the "chains of discrimination," and we see the lingering effects of these chains in the form of generational trauma. Counselors help individuals and families break these cycles, fostering healing and resilience.
• Advocating for Equity: We continue the fight for justice by advocating for equitable access to mental health resources, addressing disparities that disproportionately impact our communities.

Our Commitment as Counselors

As members of NABC, we are called to action by Dr. King’s enduring message. Our commitment to our community is reflected in our initiatives to expand access to mental health care, provide culturally competent training, and advocate for systemic change. We understand that mental health is foundational to personal success, family stability, and community well-being.

How We Can Honor Dr. King’s Legacy Today

1. Engage in Service: Volunteer your time to provide mental health education in schools, churches, and community centers.
2. Advocate for Justice: Use your platform to call for policies that address mental health disparities and support underserved populations.
3. Foster Unity: Promote understanding and collaboration among community members, just as Dr. King envisioned.
4. Care for Yourself and Others: Counselors must prioritize their own mental health to continue serving others effectively.

A Shared Dream for a Better Future

Dr. King once said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" As counselors, our answer is clear: we are here to listen, to guide, to advocate, and to heal. On this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to strengthening the Black community, ensuring that Dr. King’s dream lives on in the lives we touch and the progress we make together.